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Wait a second! I know what you are thinking… It is June 1st! Yep, I realize that the May flowers have already bloomed and we are in full-on Summer mode around here. That doesn’t mean our little family didn’t do a lot of reading last month. Quite the opposite actually. Would you like to know which books tickled our fancy the most? Well, read on for some fun suggestions and check out previous book lists, as well as other fun activities for toddlers as well!
May Book List: Reading Activities for Toddlers
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- Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse by Rebecca Janni and Lynne Avril (illustrator)- We picked this little gem of a book up at a garage sale and have been reading it almost every day. The cowgirl is quite spunky and I have to say that as the narrator, I really love getting into character as well. This is such a fun book about using your imagination and making the best of a situation where you might not get what you expected.
- The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko (illustrator)- Speaking of spunk, what a great tale of a princess who sets out to rescue her prince, only to find at the end of the day her priorities have completely changed. You might just chuckle out loud the first time you read the punch line. I did!
- Not All Princesses Dress in Pink by Jane Yolen, Heidi E. Y. Stemple, and Anne-Sophie Lanquetin (illustrator)- Sweet Pea is almost 3 years old and we are in full-on purple and pink princess mode in our house. I am perfectly fine with that… but I love that this book redefines what it means to be a princess. Hint– a princess is anything a little girl wants it to be.
- Here Comes Trouble! by Corinne Demas and Noah Z. Jones (illustrator)- Oh, Toby! Will he ever get a break? Such a cute book about how two creatures, who should despise each other, become the best of friends. Sweet Pea talks about Toby a lot… I think it is cool that she is starting to remember details of the books we read every night.
- The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizolli- Seriously, this is a fun read! Stay tuned to find out if swallowing a watermelon seed will turn you pink! If you want to have a great laugh with your kids, read this book and then eat a piece of watermelon… trying to avoid those pesky seeds of course!
- The Pigeon Needs a Bath! by Mo Willems- ‘Take a bath dude!’ You know you must be smelly if even the flies have to hold their noses. This is the first ‘Pigeon’ book we have sampled and I think everyone is hooked. That pigeon is pretty stubborn, but very cute. He reminds me of a 2-year old little girl I know.
- Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman (illustrator)- It stinks to be sick, doesn’t it? This adorable book talks about how even when you are sick, your friends and loved ones can make you feel better.
- The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers- This phenomenal book is a modern day classic. I am telling you.. you will want to break out that box of 96 crayons with the crayon sharpener in back after reading it. It is great to use different voices for each of the crayon colors and really make the crayon box come alive. The illustrations are awfully cute too!
- Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle and Jill McElmurry (illustrator)- A nice little sing-songy book with great illustrations and lots of opportunities to ‘make sounds’ with your kids. Plus, the book is a great lesson on friendship and how friends help each other out.
- Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak- Speaking of classics, how could I not include this all-time classic tale of a little monster with a big imagination. Sweet Pea is mesmerized by this tale. I think it is because she can relate to the little wild boy. After all, what toddler isn’t a little wild spirit itching for an adventure?
Now it is your turn! What books are you reading with your kids this summer? Do you have any suggestions for great books about little girls being ferocious and strong? How about that transition from toddler to preschooler? I would love to hear your book suggestions! The library (and the next yard sale) awaits!
Thanks for reading,
Sara
Welcome Back, Sara.